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Monday, March 30, 2015

I know that soft serves are more air than dairy but strangely enough, Milkcow's version feels substantial. I really enjoyed the strong milky taste (evident with every spoonful) and also the sweetness provided by the honey topping (I went for Milky Honey seeing as one isn't supposed to consume the honeycomb in Milky Cube). That said, I didn't find it special enough to warrant RM 11. That exact amount could have satiated my hunger pangs at Yoshinoya! I don't know, perhaps my palate is not refined enough?

Thursday, March 26, 2015

It is dusk and my gauzy dress flares out around me, impatient to get the party started. This enigmatic time of day inspires me and fills me with excitement. The City of Light is my playground. I snap my fingers and it is party time; the city takes on a dreamlike quality. Off we go!Guerlain

ღ The Fragrance
The CF features a sassy illustrated silhouette gallivanting around Paris to the tune of These Boots Are Made For Walkin'. I love Paris. I love These Boots Are Made For Walkin'. I also love cherries, but that will come up later in the review. So it is a no-brainer, I love the perfume.

This is an undeniably sweet scent, balanced with latent spiciness to give it a unique character. Marrying gourmands (cherry and almond) to a trail of woody notes (tonka bean and black tea) is pure genius. Every time I wear it I discover another layer - a never ending surprise of sorts! It is different from the usual generic scents but is still commercially appealing enough.

ღ The Flacon
The bottle for La Petite Robe Noire takes the form of a woman's shoulder with a reverse hollow heart stopper (revisiting the shape given to the classics, Mitsouko and L'Heure Bleue). Sketched in black ink, the little black dress is beautifully set off by translucent glass shaded from powdery pink to black.

Monday, March 23, 2015

I am starting off the week with a brand new EE cream! Clinelle's WhitenUp Even Effect EE Cream features an exclusive Advanced Skin Perfection Tri-Complex, which instantly delivers 15 beauty effects in just one touch:

① Whitening and Anti-ageing Complex derived from Purple Rice Extract which prevents melanin formation for fairer skin while the anti-aging Peptide reduces the appearance of wrinkles and fine lines.

② Hydration System with innovative micro-encapsulated Aqua Capsules (water droplets form when you spread the cream) that locks in moisture for all day hydration with an instant cooling effect; while Hyaluronic Acid works as moisture magnet and can hold up to approximately 1000 times its own weight in moisture.

③ Skin Protection Complex that is derived from natural Sea Buckthorns as nutrient supply to promote skin restoration while Chamomile which is an anti-oxidant to boost skin defense, soothes and calms skin sensitivity.

This alphabet cream comes in two shades, Ivory and Natural. Natural, the warmer of the two, is a better fit for me. Had it been slightly yellower, it would have been a perfect fit... now it stands at 85% match, haha! It is quite a creamy formula which works really well buffed in with fingers, sponge wedges or air puffs.

Ivory - Natural

The coverage is medium, but most probably can be built up to give a flawless finish. It corrects visible flaws (mild cases of dark circles and hyperpigmentation) while smoothing out skin tone by quite a bit. As a bonus, it does a decent job in transforming (greasy) shine into glow. Suffice to say that it also tames the oilies a little!

Without

With

I noticed that tears don't leave streaks upon application of this EE cream. And I know this because I turned on the waterworks in the cineplex, even though I make it a point not to cry when I have makeup on. Having to hurry to the nearest restroom to retouch my warpaint is such a hassle!

The one thing I can't take to otherwise an awesome product is its tendency to pool in pores, especially the huge ones on my nose. I suppose this can be easily rectified with the use of a silicone based primer but I was hoping that it didn't need supplementation from other products.

This EE cream has already hit the pharmacy shelves and is also available online on clinelle.com.

Moist Diane has three ranges in total: Volume & Scalp, Moist & Shine and Extra Damage Repair. I didn't have much to choose from for they were almost all out of the conditioners (or as they call it, oil treatments). Lucky for me, I had no hardship bringing Extra Damage Repair home because its scent (wild berries) is my favourite; even though they all smell absolutely amazing!

The sulphate free shampoo that I am using leaves my hair brittle and tangly, and this other conditioner that I have in rotation does not help one bit. I am really pleased to report that the Extra Damage Repair Oil Treatment ticks all of its claims... hello lustrous locks! Momma sure missed you!

Shall I begin by stating the obvious? I am obsessed with brightening serums. Like you don't already know, haha! I will gravitate towards it if it is hyped enough - case in point Kiehl's Clearly Corrective Dark Spot Solution. Kiehl's is a great brand with a not-too ridiculous price bracket. My claim stands true both in the US and Malaysia (despite the slight markup where it stands closer to US$ 56 instead of being US$ 49.50).

I like that this colourless, alcohol-smelling, viscous watery substance absorbs fairly quickly. That said, I can't get by using this alone - I find it necessary to add something moisturising on top. Clearly I am referring to Midnight Recovery Concentrate, which can be found on many vanities including my own.

My issue with this is the lack of efficacy. As seen from the picture above, I have used up half the bottle over the course of several months but I cannot detect any difference in my skin in terms of tone. Don't even get me started on my hyperpigmentation. I am not sure if it does anything at all?!

Have you ever tried this serum or anything else from the Clearly Corrective range? For those of you who are on the same page as myself, is there any brightening serum that you adore and think I should try?

Thursday, March 12, 2015

I was ordered asked to embrace gel and milk cleansers during my last facial visit, which means I had to clear out all of my existing cleansers. I listened and that is how I came by Innisfree's Calming Gel Cleanser!

The blurb says that this cleanser contains Jeju Dandelion Extract along with something called a Green Complex to moisturise and soothe skin while removing impurities. Better yet, it is 5-free; a relief for those who have an aversion towards sulphates, mineral oil, animal-derived ingredients, colourant or synthetic fragrance.

Did you know that there is a huge demand for cleansers with low pH these days? Imagine my delight when I saw the words 'slightly acidic' on the tube. Unfortunately, I don't know its exact pH so things are sort of up in the air... it could be a 3 or a 6! I suppose this a sign for me to get with the times and buy a pH pen?

It is a watery gel that you apply over both dry and damp skin. As the first step, it is massaged over dry skin. You then follow up with another cleanser or proceed to the toner stage. I get more out of it by using it as a proper second step cleanser, wherein I rub it in on damp face - I leave it to my cleansing oils to melt my makeup.

It is very gentle and very good at doing what it is supposed to do, which is to cleanse skin without sucking all the moisture from it. I love the fresh, cooling sensation that it brings upon contact, and of course the invigorating citrus smell. I can't see this formula ever antagonising the most sensitive of skins!

Precious Mineral Moist Any Cushion channels hydrating qualities to keep skin flake free at all times, even during winter. Add in the top secret Glow Lock Complex™ for glossiness and moisture retention, and we have the makings of a winner!

It gives off a comforting peach fragrance, imparts a slight blurring effect, evens out skin tone and more importantly, makes me feel like I have nothing on. I seriously can't tell that I plied on countless layers of foundation, haha!

Without

With

It has the similar amount of coverage as Precious Mineral Any Cushion but with an extra injection of moisture (Baobab Extract and Hyaluronic Acid). I am lovin' it (to borrow a phrase from McDonald's) as this gives off just the right amount of glow.

Colour wise, the W13 Natural Beige shade for Precious Mineral Moist Any Cushion leans more towards the yellow side (by a hair). If you veer to the pink/peach end of the spectrum, the regular version will serve you better. If possible, swatch them first before deciding.

This cushion along with all the other cushions ring in at US$ 18 on etudehouse.com. Getting the refill alone will set you back US$ 10.

Thursday, March 5, 2015

Powered by a unique triple action non-photosensitising, fragrance free and paraben free formula, Papulex™ focuses on improving skin's appearance as well as reducing breakouts and pimples:

① EU Patented ABA Technology – reduces acne causing bacteria
The ABA (Anti-Bacterial Adhesive substance) technology is EU patented and it is unique to Papulex™. The ABA works like a film-forming barrier system to reduce the adhesion of acne bacteria on skin, at the same time prevents the proliferation of P. acnes bacteria.

② Nicotinamide – controls inflammation and calms breakout
The power of Nicotinamide lies in its ability to control acne-induced inflammation. Studies have shown that Nicotinatimide not only has the ability to reduce inflamed lesions, it also decreases acne severity.

③ Zinc PCA – reduces skin oiliness and shine
The presence of Zinc combined with L-PCA functions to regulate the sebum production of skin, thus control skin oiliness and shine. At the same time, it does not cause skin dryness.

Name: Papulex™ Gel
Price: RM 52.80 for 40 ml
Made in: France

Papulex™ Gel feels light and fluid, like a serum. The appearance and the texture reminds me of La Roche Posay's Effaclar A.I... can anyone shed light on whether they are similar? Still you should not make the mistake of applying it all over too frequently unless you are fond of having flakes of dry skin hanging off your face.

It nips the formation of comedones, pustules and those of their ilk in the bud. I have used many pimple gels over the years and I have yet to encounter one as effective as Papulex's version. The tiniest bit in the morning and night for a day (or two at most) is enough to banish pesky spots. Definitely HG worthy!

You can find it at leading pharmacies, as well as selected clinics for RM 52.80. And while you are picking up the gel, you may want to check out Papulex™'s other acne care products:

Monday, March 2, 2015

I am always online looking at whatever that catches my fancy. I am practically on a first name basis with my postman, haha! Anyways I digress, I wish that more brands have online counterparts to fuel our my shopping addiction. Why? No fighting with the crowds, saving petrol costs and being able to shop 24/7 (and in my comfiest clothes!)? 'Nuff said!

And on to you! Do you shop online? Especially on sites like Foodpanda, Lazada, Qoo10 and Zalora? Well, there is this nifty little site, iPrice, and you will want to add it to your bookmarks!

In their words:
iPrice provides product information on different fashion brands and also offers coupons, discounts and voucher codes to our visitors. On our website, you can find renowned labels like BCBGMAXAZRIA, MAC and many more.

We help you to find what you are looking for and then we hand you over to our trusted e-commerce partners to actually buy the products you want. In this function, we aggregate all the products from the most trusted e-commerce shops in Asia and globally onto one platform. We offer a lot of fashion on iPrice and many other product categories as well.

So gone are the days of checking twenty different websites to find a particular product or the two hour hunt for the best price. iPrice is your one stop shopping destination.